System and method for distributing information

ABSTRACT

A system for marketing real estate includes a property data device and a personal data device. The property data device is to be located in the vicinity of a real estate property, and the personal data device is to be provided to a user. The property data device is operable to transmit the property information data, and the personal data device operable to receive and store the property information data transmitted by the property data device.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a system and method for distributinginformation, and more particularly to a system and method for thedistribution of marketing information related to an asset and partiesinterested in the asset.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Potential buyers of assets often desire market information aboutthe asset before purchasing the asset. In a real estate market, forexample, a seller of property will list the property for sale through areal estate listing agent. The listing agent prepares marketinginformation about the property and lists the property by inputting themarketing information into a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database.Once the property is listed, the selling agent places a “for sale” signon the property. The sign often has a compartment that containsinformation sheets detailing selected market information about theproperty. A party interested in the property, such as a potential buyeror an agent of the potential buyer, often takes one of the informationsheets to learn more about the property. After reviewing the informationsheet, the interested party will contact the selling agent to schedulean appointment to view the property.

[0005] However, information sheets are not always available to theinterested party, as the sheets are often all taken from the signcompartment before being replenished by the selling agent. Furthermore,the selling agent does not know which interested parties have takeninformation sheets, or when the information sheets were taken.

[0006] While systems that provide traffic data or utility data from astationary transmitter to a nearby mobile receiver do exist, and systemsincluding wireless in-car telematic devices that communicate withspecial broadband wireless stations also exist, those systems do notfacilitate the marketing of real estate or other assets as detailed inthe following description. Furthermore, those systems do not facilitatethe distribution of marketing information related to the assets and theinterested parties.

SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with the invention, a system for marketing realestate includes a property data device and a personal data device. Theproperty data device is to be located in the vicinity of a real estateproperty, and includes a first storage device for storing propertyinformation data related to the real estate property, and a firstcommunication subsystem having a transmitter. The property data deviceis operable to transmit the property information data.

[0008] The personal data device is to be provided to a user, andincludes a second storage device for storing data, and a secondcommunication subsystem having a receiver. The personal data device isoperable to receive the property information data transmitted by theproperty data device, and store the property information data in thesecond storage device.

[0009] Also in accordance with the invention, a method of marketing areal estate property uses a property data device and a personal datadevice. The property data device is located in the vicinity of the realestate property, and property information data related to the realestate property is stored in the property data device. A personal datadevice is provided to a user. The property data device is operable totransmit the property information data, and the personal data device isoperable to receive and store the property information data transmittedby the property data device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a real estate property offered forsale through a real estate office;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a firstdata device;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of asecond data device;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer including a database forstoring information received from the first data device;

[0014]FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating the transmission ofinformation related to the property from the first data device to thesecond data device;

[0015]FIG. 5B is a flow diagram illustrating an exchange of informationrelating to the property between the first and second data devices;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the generation of a data setbased on identification data;

[0017]FIG. 7A is a flow diagram illustrating the process of schedulingand confirming a requested appointment;

[0018]FIG. 7B is a flow diagram illustrating the process of schedulingand confirming an appointment in response to an appointment request;

[0019]FIG. 8A is a flow diagram illustrating the process of using thesecond data device to update asset information stored in the first datadevice;

[0020]FIG. 8B is a flow diagram illustrating the process of using thecomputer to update asset information stored in the first data device;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of providingproperty information to a prospective buyer;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of providingproperty information to a selling agent;

[0023]FIG. 11A is another illustrative embodiment of the system, whereinthe first data device communicates with the property manager computerthrough a telephone network;

[0024]FIG. 11B is yet another illustrative embodiment of the system,wherein the first data device communicates with the property managercomputer through a wireless LAN; and

[0025]FIG. 12 depicts yet another illustrative embodiment of the systemin which a plurality of buyers exchange information relating to aplurality of consumer products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] An illustrative system 10 for distributing market informationrelated to a real estate property is shown with reference to FIG. 1. Thesystem 10 electronically provides market information related to a realestate property to an interested party.

[0027] The illustrative system 10 includes a first data device 100 thatincludes a first storage device 110 and a first communication subsystem120 having a transmitter 122, and a second data device 200 that includesa second storage device 210 and a second communication subsystem 220having a receiver 224. The first data device 100 is located in thevicinity of a property 300 that is for sale. Property informationrelated to the property 300 is stored in the first storage device 110,and the transmitter 122 of the first communication subsystem 120transmits the property information. The second data device 200 isprovided to a user 250, and is operable to receive the propertyinformation transmitted by the first data device 100, and store theproperty information in the second storage device 210. Thus, theproperty information is provided to the user 250 upon the second datadevice 200 receiving the property information transmitted from the firstdata device 100.

[0028] In addition to providing the user 250 with property information,the system 10 is further operable to receive information from the user250, such as a request to receive the property information stored infirst data device 100. Thus, in another illustrative embodiment, thesecond communication subsystem 220 includes a transmitter 222, and isoperable to transmit request data. The first communication subsystem 120includes a receiver 124, and is operable to receive the request data andtransmit the property information data in response. Thus, the propertyinformation is provided to the user 250 at the user's request.

[0029] Additionally, the request data includes identification datarelated to the user, and this identification data is stored in the firstdata device 100. The first data device 100 is also operable to generateand transmit a property data set based on the identification data. Thus,depending on the identification data received, different property datasets may be provided to the user 250.

[0030] The identification data and property information data is furtherstored in an information database 400, which is used to generate marketrelated reports from the stored identification data and the propertyinformation data. The market related reports include the number of userinquiries regarding the property 300, the number of appointmentsrequested and scheduled to view the property 300 and other marketrelated information.

[0031] The real estate market for which the system 10 facilitates thedistribution of market information as detailed above is described withreference to FIG. 1. The property 300 is illustratively a unit of realestate defined by boundaries 302 and includes a house 304 and mailbox306. The property 300 is adjacent a street 308, and has a “for sale”sign 310 located near the street 308 to attract the interest of the user250 driving by in an automobile 312. The “for sale” sign 310 includes acompartment 314 containing several information sheets 316 that containmarket information related to the property 300 and the house 304. A keybox 320 is placed on the doorknob 322 of a door 324 to the house 304.The key box 320 is a small, locked receptacle for holding a key to thedoor 324, and is unlocked by inputting a numeric code via a numerickeypad 326 on the key box 320.

[0032] A seller 350 owns the property 300, and has listed the property300 through a listing agent 410 working out of an office 420. Thelisting agent 410 has a computer 430 comprising a processor 432, amemory device 434, and a communication device 436, through which thelisting agent 410 has access to a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)database 440. The MLS database 440 associates information related to theproperty 300 with a MLS number key. Property information stored in theMLS database 440 illustratively includes the price of the house; thehouse address; the age of the house; the number and type of rooms in thehouse; the square of footage of the house; comparable prices for otherhouses in the surrounding area; contact information; and an Internetaddress for photographs of the house and property and propertyinformation. Of course, other information can also be included in theMLS database.

[0033] Property information related to the property 300 is stored in thefirst storage device 110 of the first data device 100. The propertyinformation may include information from the MLS database 440 describedabove, and may also include other information in addition to theinformation from the MLS database 440. The first data device 100 isaffixed to the “for sale” sign 310, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively,the first data device 100 is affixed to the mail box 306 or the key box320, as indicated by the phantom locations of the first data device 100in FIG. 1. Additionally, the first data device 100 can be affixed toother locations on or in the vicinity of the property 300.

[0034] When interested in purchasing real estate, a prospective buyer252 typically contacts a selling agent 254, who then represents theprospective buyer 252. The selling agent 254 and the buyer 252 contactthe listing agent 410, who then provides the potential buyer 252 and theselling agent 254 with a second data device 200. Thus it is to beunderstood that the user 250 may be the potential buyer 252, or theselling agent 254. Of course, the user 250 may already be in possessionof a second data device 200, and thus the listing agent 410 does notneed to provide the user 250 with a second data device.

[0035] The second data device 200 can include identification data toidentify the user 250 with which it is associated, e.g. either the buyer252 or selling agent 254. The identification data can be specified toidentify the user only as a buyer 252 or selling agent 254, or can bespecified to identify the user as a particular selling agent 254, or asa particular buyer 252.

[0036] Shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, are illustrativeembodiments of the first data device 100 and the second data device 200.Referring now to FIG. 2, the first data device 100 includes a firststorage device 110 for storing property information related to theproperty 300. The first storage device 110 is an electronic device thatprovides for the electronic storage and retrieval of data, such asRandom Access Memory (RAM), magnetic disk media, and other such devices.

[0037] A first communication subsystem 120 includes a first transmitter122 that is operable to transmit data stored in the first storage device110. The first communication subsystem also comprises a first receiver124 that is operable to receive transmitted data. Data transmission andreception for the communication subsystem 120 can conform to knownstandards, such as IEEE 802.11b, cellular communication standards, orother known standards, or can be carried out according to a proprietarytransmission scheme. Of course, a single transceiver unit may be used inplace of the first transmitter 122 and the first receiver 124.

[0038] A first processing device 130 is coupled to the firstcommunication subsystem 120 and first storage device 110. The firstprocessing device 130 is programmed to receive data from the firstcommunication subsystem 120, access the first storage device 110 tostore and retrieve data, and to instruct the first communicationsubsystem 120 to transmit data. The first processing device 130 is aprogrammable microprocessor or controller, or an application specificintegrated circuit, or other configurable processing device.

[0039] The first processing device 130 is also connected to a firstcommunication port 132. The first communication port 132 is used toestablish a direct link via a cable with another processing device.Communication over the first communication port 132 can conform to aknown standard, such as RS-232, or can be carried out according to aproprietary communication scheme.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3, the second data device 200 includes asecond storage device 210 for storing property information related tothe property 300 received from the first communication device 100. Thesecond storage device 210 is an electronic device that provides for theelectronic storage and retrieval of data, such as Random Access Memory(RAM), magnetic disk media, and other such devices.

[0041] A second communication subsystem 220 includes a second receiver224 that is operable to receive transmitted data. The secondcommunication subsystem 220 also comprises a second transmitter 222 thatis operable to transmit data stored in the second storage device 210.Data transmission and reception for the second communication subsystem220 can conform to known standards, such as IEEE 802.11b, cellularcommunication standards, or other known standards, or can be carried outaccording to a proprietary transmission scheme. Of course, a singletransceiver unit may be used in place of the second transmitter 222 andthe second receiver 224.

[0042] An input/output device 240 provides an input/output interface tothe user 250. The input/output device can include a display screen 242,a keypad 244, and a printer 246. Through use of the input/output device240, the user 250 reviews property information received from the firstdata device 100, and inputs requests for receiving data and schedulingappointments. The display screen 242 and the keypad 244 may be combinedinto a touch sensitive display.

[0043] A second processing device 230 is coupled to the storage device210, the second communication subsystem 220, and the input/output device240. The second processing device 230 is programmed to receive data fromthe second communication subsystem 220, access the second storage device210 to store and retrieve data, and to instruct the second communicationsubsystem 220 to transmit data. The second processing device 230 is aprogrammable microprocessor or controller, or an application specificintegrated circuit, or other configurable processing device.

[0044] The second processing device 230 is also connected to a secondcommunication port 232. The second communication port 232 is used toestablish a direct link with another processing device. Communicationover the second communication port 232 can conform to a known standard,such as RS-232, or can be carried out according to a proprietarycommunication scheme.

[0045] The storage device 210 further includes identification dataassociating the second data device 200 with a buyer 252 or selling agent254. Thus, the identification data identifies the user associated withthe second data device 200 as either the buyer 252 or selling agent 254.Alternatively, the second processing device 230 can be operable toinclude the identification data to associate the second data device 200with a buyer 252 or selling agent 254.

[0046] The first and second data devices 100 and 200 are implementedusing programmable devices, such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA),a hand held PC, or other programmable devices. Alternatively, the firstand second data devices 100 and 200 are implemented using an applicationspecific hardware design and programming.

[0047] The information database 400 stored in computer 430 storesinformation related to the buyer 252, the selling agent 254, theproperty 300, the seller 350, and listing agent 410. The computer 430 isoperable to communicate with the first data device 100 to receive andstore the information stored in the first storage device 110 of thefirst data device 100. As shown in FIG. 4, data is transmitted from thefirst communication subsystem 120 of fist data device 100 to thecommunication device 436 of the computer 430. This informationillustratively includes information requests received by the first datadevice 100, identification data related to users requesting informationfrom the first data device 100, and appointment requests requested byusers.

[0048] The processor 432 is programmed to access the informationdatabase 400 and generate activity reports detailing activity related tothe information requests received from the data device 100. The listingagent 410 arranges for these reports to be generated on a periodicbasis, e.g. daily, weekly, or monthly. The listing agent 410 and theseller 350 assess user interest in the property 300 from these reports.These reports may be arranged so that the seller 350 may have access toreport summaries related to the property 300 over the Internet, whilethe listing agent 410 has access to fully detailed reports related tothe property 300 and other properties. Fully detailed reports mayincluded a list of users 250 interested in the property 300, othercomparable properties for which the users 250 have requestedinformation, a list of all properties a particular user 250 has viewed,etc.

[0049] Operation of the illustrative system 10 is described withreference to FIGS. 5A-10. Referring in particular to FIG. 5A, flowdiagram 500A illustrates the transmission of property information fromthe first data device 100 to the second data device 200. As describedabove, the first data device 100 is operable to transmit propertyinformation data that is received by the second data device 200.Typically, a user 250 is in possession of the second data device 200,e.g., the second data device is on the user's 250 person or mounted inan automobile. The first data device 100 is located in the vicinity ofthe property 300 and transmits property information related to theproperty 300, as shown in step 502. When the user 250 is in thetransmission range of the first data device 100, the second data device200 receives property information data transmitted from the first datadevice 100, as shown in step 504. Through use of the input/output device240, the user 250 reviews the property information received, as shown instep 506. In step 508, the property information is stored in the secondstorage device 210 of the second data is device 200.

[0050] The second data device 200 is further operable to transfer theproperty information data stored in the second storage device 210 to apersonal computer via the second communication subsystem 220 or a directlink via the communication port 232. Accordingly, property informationstored in the second storage device 210 of the second data device 200 isdownloaded to the personal computer for later review, as shown in step510.

[0051] In another illustrative embodiment, the first data device 100 isoperable to transmit property information data in response to a requestsignal transmitted by the second data device 200. The first data device100 is further operable to receive identification data included in therequest signal and generate property information data sets based on theidentification data. Referring now to FIG. 5B, flow diagram 500Billustrates an exchange of information relating to the property 300between the first and second data devices 100, 200 in response to arequest signal. Typically, the user 250 is in possession of the seconddata device 200. When the user 250 is in the transmission range of thefirst data device 100, the user 250 actuates the second data device tosend a request signal to the first data device 100, as shown in step522. The user actuates the second data device to send the request signalthrough use of the input/output device 240.

[0052] The first data device 100 receives the request signal transmittedby the second data device 200, as shown in step 524. In step 526, thefirst data device 100 determines if the identification data in therequest signal is valid. If the identification data is not valid, noinformation is transmitted, as shown in step 528. If the identificationdata is valid, however, a property information data set for the property300 is generated and transmitted from the first data device 100 to thesecond data device 200, as shown in step 530.

[0053] After the property information data set is transmitted in step530, the listing agent 410 is notified that the user 250 requestedproperty information for the property 300, as shown in step 532. Throughthese notifications the listing agent 410 can determine the frequency ofinformation requests for the property 300, including identificationindicia of the users 250 who have requested property information, andthe date and time of the requests. The listing agent 410 is notified bythe communication subsystem 120 of the first data device 100 sending theinformation received from the second data device 200 to the computer430. The information received at the computer 430 is stored in theinformation database 400.

[0054] Upon transmission of the property information data set from thefirst data device 100, the second data device 200 receives the propertyinformation data set, as shown in step 534. Through the input/outputdevice 240, the user 250 reviews the property information data setreceived, as shown in step 536.

[0055] In step 538, the user 250 decides whether to request anappointment to further inspect the property 300. If an appointment isdesired, the user requests an appointment via the input/output device240 in step 540.

[0056] Upon receiving the appointment request signal, the firstcommunication subsystem 120 of the first data device 100 transmits anotification to the computer 430 and the requested appointment time isdisplayed on the computer 430. The listing agent 410 may accept orreject the appointment, or may contact the seller 350 and the seller 350may then accept or reject the appointment. Alternatively, thenotification is sent to a cell phone, pager, PDA, or other wirelesscommunication device associated with the listing agent 410 and operableto display the appointment request, receive indicia of an acceptance orrejection input from the listing agent 410, and transmit an appointmentreply signal back to the first data device 100. The appointment replysignal includes data indicating whether the listing agent 410 acceptedor rejected the appointment request.

[0057] The appointment reply signal is transmitted from the first datadevice 100 to the second data device 200, as shown in step 544.Alternatively, the appointment reply signal is transmitted directly fromthe wireless device to the second data device 200. Upon receipt of theappointment reply signal in step 546, the user 250 will be informed viathe input/output device 240 whether the requested appointment has beenaccepted.

[0058] In step 548, the property information data set and appointmentdata are stored in the second storage device 210 of the second datadevice 200. The second data device 200 is further operable to transferthe property information data set stored in the second storage device210 to a personal computer via the second communication subsystem 220 ora direct link via the communication port 232. Accordingly, the propertyinformation data set stored in the second storage device 210 of thesecond data device 200 is downloaded to the personal computer for laterreview, as shown in step 550.

[0059] The generation of a property information data set in response tothe identification data included in a request signal is illustrated withreference to the identification process of flow diagram 600 of FIG. 6.The identification process enables the first data device 100 to providedifferent property information data sets based on the identificationdata received from the second data device 200. In step 602, the firstdata device 100 receives the transmitted request signal from the seconddata device 200. The request signal comprises identification data thatidentifies whether the second data device 200 is associated with a buyer252 or selling agent 254. Illustratively, the identification datacorresponds to a selling agent identifier or a buyer identifier. If theidentification data corresponds to the selling agent identifier, aselling agent information data set is transmitted in response to theinformation request signal. If the identification data corresponds tothe buyer identifier, then a buyer information data set is transmittedin response to the information request signal. Typically, the buyerinformation data set is a subset of the selling agent information dataset.

[0060] In step 604, the first data device 100 determines whether theidentification data corresponds to the selling agent identifier. If theidentification data corresponds to the selling agent identifier, theselling agent information data set is transmitted in step 606. If theidentification data does not correspond to the selling agent identifier,then the first data device 100 determines whether the identificationdata corresponds to the buyer identifier, as shown in step 608. If theidentification corresponds to the buyer identifier, then the buyerinformation data set is transmitted in step 610. If not, no informationis transmitted.

[0061] Several alternative embodiments for requesting and schedulingappointments are illustrated with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. Anappointment request includes a date and time, and is described withreference to FIG. 7A below. Alternatively, an appointment requestincludes a request for available appointment times, and is describedwith reference to FIG. 7B below.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 7A, flow diagram 700A illustrates a process ofscheduling and confirming a requested appointment for a particular timeand day. The first data device 100 receives the requested appointmenttime in step 702, and compares the requested appointment time to storedappointment availability in step 704. Appointment availability includesblocks of time that the seller 350 or listing agent 410 has indicatedthe property 300 is available for inspection by a user 250. The storedappointment availability is stored in the first storage device 110.Alternatively, the stored appointment availability is stored in thememory device 434 of the computer 430. If the requested appointment isavailable as determined in step 706, the appointment is booked in step708. The stored appointment availability is updated in step 710 topreclude a second appointment being scheduled during the same time. Thelisting agent 410 is then notified in step 712.

[0063] If the requested appointment does not fall within the currentappointment availability, and is therefore not available, the listingagent 410 is notified of the requested appointment in step 714. Thelisting agent 410 may then decide whether to accept or reject theappointment, or may contact the seller 350. Thus, in step 716, theseller 350 and/or listing agent 410 determine whether the property 300will be available for the requested appointment. If the seller 350and/or listing agent 410 agree to the proposed appointment, theappointment is accepted and booked in step 718. If the seller 350 and/orlisting agent 410 do not agree to the proposed appointment, theappointment is rejected. In step 720, the user 250 is notified as towhether the requested appointment is accepted or rejected. Thisnotification is transmitted from the first data device 100 to the seconddata device 200. Alternatively, the notification is provided by othermeans, such as e-mail, or by the seller 350 and/or listing agent 410directly contacting the user 250, in the event that the seller 350and/or listing agent 410 cannot be immediately contacted in step 714.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the user 250 can choose anappointment from an appointment availability list instead of requestinga specific time and date for an appointment. Flow diagram 700B of FIG.7B illustrates the process of scheduling and confirming an appointmentin response to an appointment request. In step 730, the first datadevice 100 receives an appointment request from the second data device200. In step 732, the first data device 100 provides the appointmentavailability to the second data device 200. If the user 250 decides onan appointment time in step 734, the user 250 specifies the availabledate and time for an appointment. The appointment date and time aretransmitted from the second data device 200 to the first data device100, and the appointment availability is updated in step 736. Finally,in step 738, the listing agent 410 is notified of the bookedappointment.

[0065] While the flow diagrams of FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate that thelisting agent 410 is notified of requested appointments, alternativeembodiments include notifying both the listing agent 410 and the seller350, or only the seller 350. Notification is sent by e-mail to aseller's e-mail address, by instant messaging, or to a wirelesscommunication device associated with the seller.

[0066] Property information for the property 300 may need to be updatedperiodically. For example, updates may reflect a change in the askingprice of the property 300, or may reflect a pending offer on theproperty 300, or may reflect that the property 300 is sold. Referring toFIG. 8A, flow diagram 800A illustrates the process of using the seconddata device 200 to update the information stored in the first datadevice 100. In step 802, the second data device 200 transmits an updatedproperty information signal to the first data device 100.

[0067] As the ability to update information stored in the first datadevice 100 is preferably restricted, update identification data isprovided in the property information update signal to establish that theuser 250 is authorized to update the data. In step 804, the first datadevice 100 determines whether the update identification data included inthe property information update signal received is valid. If the updateidentification data is not valid, the corresponding property informationis not updated, as shown in step 805. However, if the updateidentification data is valid, the corresponding property information isupdated in step 806 by storing the updated property information data inthe first storage device 110. In step 808 a confirmation signalconfirming the update is transmitted to the second data device 200. Uponreceipt of the confirmation signal in step 810, the second data device200 notifies the user 250 that the first data device 100 has beenupdated with updated property information. The first data device 100then notifies the listing agent 410 of the property information update,as shown in step 812.

[0068] Another method of updating the first data device 100 is providedin flow diagram 800B of FIG. 8B. The computer 430 is configured toupdate the information in the first data device 100, and thus the updateis done from a central location. In step 822, the computer 430 transmitsan updated property information signal to the first data device 100. Thefirst data device 100 receives the update identification data includedin the property information update signal and determines whether theupdate identification data is valid, as shown in step 824. If the updateidentification data is not valid, the corresponding property informationis not updated, as shown in step 825. However, if the updateidentification data is valid, then the corresponding propertyinformation is updated in step 826 by storing the updated propertyinformation data in the first storage device 110. In step 828 aconfirmation signal is sent to the computer 430. Upon receipt of theconfirmation signal by the computer 430 in step 830, the propertyinformation update is complete.

[0069] The update procedure of FIG. 8A is implemented using the firstand second communication subsystems 120 and 220 to establishcommunication between the first and second data devices 100 and 200, or,alternatively, by using the first and second communication ports 132 and232 to establish communication between the first and second data devices100 and 200. Similarly, the updating procedure of FIG. 8B is implementedby using the first communication subsystem 120 or the firstcommunication port 132 of the first data device to establishcommunication with the computer 430.

[0070] The information exchange system 10 also facilitates novel methodsof providing property information to buyers 252 and selling agents 254,as shown and described in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. Referring toFIG. 9, the flow diagram 900 illustrates a method of providing a buyerinformation data set to a prospective buyer 252. In step 902 the listingagent 410 assigns a second data device 200 to the buyer 252. The seconddata device 200 includes identifier data identifying the second datadevice 200 as being associated with the buyer 252. The buyer 252 visitsvarious properties, and locates a property of interest in step 904. Thebuyer 252 then requests and receives a buyer information data set, asshown in step 906 and as previously illustrated with reference to FIGS.5B and 6 above.

[0071] In step 908, the seller 350, listing agent 410 and selling agent254 are notified of the buyer's 252 request for information. Thus, theseller 350 and listing agent 410 are apprised of the status of theproperty 300, and the selling agent 254 is kept aware of the buyer's 252inquiries.

[0072] In step 910, the buyer 252 reviews the buyer information providedin step 906. The buyer information is initially reviewed via theinput/output device 240 of the second data device 200, allowing thebuyer 252 to determine whether further inquiries regarding the property300 are warranted. If the buyer 252 desires further information on theproperty 300, the buyer downloads the buyer information to a personalcomputer, as shown in step 912. From the personal computer, the buyer252 accesses additional information relating to the buyer informationreceived in step 914, e.g., pictures of the house 304 on the property300; a virtual tour of the house 304 on the property 300; etc. Theadditional information is illustratively accessed by the personalcomputer through a network, such as the Internet.

[0073] Referring now to FIG. 10, flow diagram 1000 illustrates a methodof providing an agent information data set to a selling agent 254. Instep 1002, the listing agent 410 assigns a second data device 200 to theselling agent 254. The second data device 200 includes identifier dataidentifying the second data device 200 as being associated with theselling agent 254. The selling agent 254 visits various properties, andlocates a property of interest in step 1004. The selling agent 254 thenrequests and receives a selling agent information data set, as shown instep 1006 and as previously illustrated with reference to FIGS. 5B and 6above.

[0074] In step 1008, the seller 350 and listing agent 410 are notifiedof the selling agent's 410 request for information. Thus, the seller 350and listing agent 410 are apprised of the status of the property 300,and of the interest of the selling agent 254.

[0075] In step 1010, the selling agent 254 reviews the selling agentinformation provided in step 1006. The selling information is initiallyreviewed via the input/output device 240 of the second data device 200,allowing the selling agent 254 to determine whether further inquiriesregarding the property 300 are warranted. If the selling agent 254desires further information on the property 300, the selling agent 254downloads the selling agent information to a personal computer, as shownin step 1012. From the personal computer, the selling agent 254 accessesadditional information relating to the selling agent informationreceived in step 1014 e.g., pictures of the house 304 on the property300; a virtual tour of the house 304; etc. The additional information isillustratively accessed by the personal computer through a network, suchas the Internet.

[0076] In another illustrative embodiment of the invention, theinput/output device 240 of the second data device 200 of FIG. 3 includesa printer 246. After the second data device 200 receives propertyinformation related to the property 300, the user 250 uses theinput/output device 240 to print the information sheets 316 that arenormally deposited in the compartment 314 of the “for sale” sign 310.Thus, in the event of inclement weather, or if the user 250 cannotreadily reach the “for sale” sign 310, or if the information sheets 316are depleted, the user 250 can readily print the information sheet 316using the second data device 200.

[0077]FIG. 11A depicts another illustrative embodiment of the invention.A telephone communication device 32 is attached to the house 304. Thetelephone communication device 32 is coupled to a telephone line 33 alocated in the house 304, and the communication device 436 of thecomputer 430 is connected to a telephone line 33 b located in the realestate office 420. The telephone communication device 32 is operable tocommunicate with the communication subsystem 120 of the first datadevice 100, and to communicate with the computer 430 through thetelephone lines 33 a and 33 b. Data transmission and reception betweenthe first data device 100, the telephone communication device 32, andthe second data device 200 can conform to a known standard, such as IEEE802.11b, IrDA infrared, or can be carried out according to a proprietarytransmission scheme. Accordingly, appointment data, scheduling data, andupdate data are communicated between the first data device 100 and thecomputer 430 via the telephone communication device 32 and the telephonelines 33 a and 33 b.

[0078]FIG. 11B depicts yet another illustrative embodiment utilizing atypical 802.11 wireless LAN. An access point 34 of a wireless LAN isplaced in the vicinity of the property 300, and the first communicationsubsystem 120 and the second communication subsystem 220 are wirelessLAN transceivers in communication with access point 34. The access point34 is coupled to a distribution system 35. The communication device 314of the computer 430 is likewise coupled to the distribution system 35,and thus communicates with the first data device 100 over thedistribution system 35 and access point 34.

[0079] Another embodiment includes the gathering of buyer feedback for aproperty 300. The user 250 may provide feedback via the second datadevice 200 to the first data device 100. Alternatively, feedbackinformation may be transmitted from the second data device 200 to theinformation database 400. The feedback may include favorable orunfavorable opinion data about the property 300. The feedbackinformation is then stored in the information database 400 and can beused to generate further reports related to the property 300. The user250 may provide the feedback information voluntarily, or the user 250may be offered an incentive to provide the information.

[0080] The user 250 may also send via the second data device 200 anoffer or request to purchase the property 300. Through the input/outputdevice 240, the user 250 may send a purchase signal as an offer topurchase the property 300. Upon receiving the purchase signal, the firstcommunication subsystem 120 of the first data device 100 transmits thepurchase signal to the computer 430. The purchase signal may alsoinclude user account information authorizing the seller 350 or listingagent 410 to charge a deposit amount to the user account. For example,the user 250 may send a purchase signal to request purchasing theproperty 300, and may authorize the seller 350 or listing agent 410 tocharge an earnest money deposit to the user's 250 credit card.Acceptance or rejection of the user's 250 offer is then transmitted backto the second data device 200 as previously described with reference toacceptance or rejection of an appointment.

[0081] Yet another embodiment of the invention includes storing anapproved list of users 250 which may receive property information datasets from the first data device 100. Thus, if the identification dataidentifies the user 250 as either a buyer 252 or a selling agent 254, aproperty information data set may still not be provided unless the buyer252 or a selling agent 254 is listed on an approved list of users. Forexample, a listing agent 410 may offer a subscription service to whichselling agents 254 may subscribe. A list of the selling agents 254subscribing to the service may be stored in the first storage device110. Alternatively, the list may be stored in the information database400 and is accessed by the first data device 100 via the firstcommunication subsystem 120.

[0082] The selling agent 254 may posses a plurality of second datadevices 200 storing data identifying each second data device 200 as asubscription second data device 200 and identifying the selling agent254 as the subscriber. The subscription second data devices 200 may alsostore farther identification data related to a buyer 252 or the sellingagent 254.

[0083] Corresponding information data sets may then be provided to eachsubscription second data device 200. Thus, when a buyer 252 engages aselling agent 254, the selling agent may provide the buyer 252 with asubscription second data device 200. Accordingly, the buyer 252 mayobtain buyer information data sets, and the selling agent 254 maylikewise obtain agent information data sets as long as the selling agentsubscribes to the service.

[0084] The subscription service may be provided free of charge, or maybe provided upon payment of a subscription fee. The fee may be a monthlyfee, or may be charged on a per-use basis for each transaction betweenthe first data device 100 and a subscription second data device 200.

[0085] In yet another embodiment, the approved list of users 250 is alist of licensed real estate agents. If the user 250 of the second datadevice 200 is not a licensed real estate agent, or associated with alicensed agent, then the first data device 100 will not provide propertyinformation data sets in response to a request from the second datadevice 200. Note that the listing agent 410 may also be included in thelist of licensed real estate agents, and thus the first data device 100will not provide property information data sets in response to a requestfrom the second data device 200 used by a listing agent 410 that is notincluded in the list of licensed real estate agents.

[0086] While the invention has been described in detail with referenceto the illustrated embodiments directed to the exchange of informationrelating to real estate between real estate sellers and potential realestate buyers, another embodiment of the invention facilitates theexchange of information relating to products displayed at a consumershow. FIG. 12 depicts a consumer boat show that includes a display of aplurality of boats 1300 a . . . 1300 n, and a display of a plurality ofperipheral boating equipment 1302 a . . . 1302 k. The plurality of boats1300 a . . . 1300 n and the plurality of peripheral boating equipment1302 a . . . 1302 k collectively define a set of assets. The first datadevices 1330 a . . . 1330 n are associated with the plurality of boats1300 a . . . 1300 n. Each first data device 1330 stores informationrelated to an associated boat 1300, such as price, the manufacturer'sweb site, and the vendor's web site. Similarly, the first data devices1332 a . . . 1332 k are associated with the plurality of peripheralboating equipment 1302 a . . . 1302 k. Each first data device 1332stores information related to associated peripheral boat equipment 1302,such as price, the manufacturer's web site, and the vendor's web site.

[0087] Prospective buyers 1304 a . . . 1304 m are provided withcorresponding second data devices 1340 a . . . 1340 m. Each buyer 1304inputs pertinent information into the second data device 1340, such asthe buyer's name, mailing address, age, telephone number, and e-mailaddress. As the buyer 1304 examines boats 1300 and peripheral boatingequipment 1302, the buyer selects boats 1300 and peripheral boatingequipment 1302 of interest. The buyer 1304 then exchanges informationbetween the first data devices 1330 and 1332 and the second data device1340 for each boat 1300 and peripheral boating equipment 1302 ofinterest. The buyer 1304 may then examine the buyer informationprovided, and may later download the information to a personal computer.The buyer 1304 then has available on his personal computer informationrelated to the products of interest, and the web sites of themanufacturers and vendors of the products. The buyer 1304 then may visitthese web sites for further product information.

[0088] From the buyer data collected in the first data devices 1330 a .. . 1330 n and 1332 a . . . 1332 n, manufacturers and vendors areprovided a list of interested buyers 1304 and the respective buyercontact information. The manufacturers and vendors may then directlycontact interested buyers 1304, examine demographic data relating tointerested buyers, or send e-mail messages relating to the products ofinterest to the buyers.

[0089] In another embodiment, the second data device 1340 is operable tosend a “buy” signal upon the buyer's 1304 command. The buy signalindicates that the buyer 1304 desires to purchase a product currentlyselected or viewed by the buyer on the second data device 1340. Thebuyer 1304 may have authorized the vendors or consumer showrepresentative to automatically charge an account associated with thebuyer 1304, or, alternatively, the buyer 1304 may meet withrepresentatives of the vendor or consumer show to finalize a purchaseagreement at a later time.

[0090] In yet another embodiment, the first and second data devices 1330and 1340 facilitate the distribution of asset information in a museum. Afirst data device 1330 is located near a museum piece, and a second datadevice 1340 is provided to a museum patron. The museum patron may thenobtain detailed information about a museum piece of interest through thefirst data device 1330 and the second data device 1340.

[0091] The embodiments described herein are examples of structures,systems or methods having elements corresponding to the elements of theinvention recited in the claims. This written description may enablethose of ordinary skill in the art to make and use embodiments havingalternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of theinvention received in the claims. The intended scope of the inventionthus includes other structures, systems or methods that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, and further includes otherstructures, systems or methods with insubstantial differences from theliteral language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for marketing real estate, comprising: aproperty data device located in the vicinity of a real estate property,the property data device comprising a first storage device for storingproperty information data related to the real estate property, and afirst communication subsystem having a transmitter and receiver, theproperty data device operable to receive identification data, generate aproperty information data set based on the identification data and theproperty information data, and transmit the property information dataset; and a personal data device to be provided to a user, comprising asecond storage device for storing the identification data, and a secondcommunication subsystem having a transmitter and receiver, the personaldata device operable to transmit the identification data, receive theproperty information data set transmitted by the property data device,and store the property information data set in the second storagedevice.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the identification dataincludes user information data related to the user, and the propertydata device is further operable to store the identification data in thefirst storage device.
 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising acomputer comprising: a third storage device for storing an informationdatabase, the information database storing the identification datareceived by the property data device and the property information data;and a first communication device operable to transmit and receive data;wherein the computer is operable to generate reports from theidentification data and the property information data stored in theinformation database.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein: the propertydata device is further operable to transmit the identification datareceived from the personal data device to the computer; and the computeris further operable to receive and store in the information database theidentification data transmitted from the property data device.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the personal data device further comprises aninput/output device, and the personal data device is further operable totransmit appointment request data relating to a requested appointment,receive appointment reply data related to the requested appointment, andprovide indicia of an acceptance or rejection of the requestedappointment based on the appointment reply data.
 6. The system of claim5, wherein the first storage device of the property data device isfurther for storing appointment availability data, and is furtheroperable to receive the appointment request data transmitted from thepersonal data device, compare the appointment request data to theappointment availability data, generate the appointment reply data basedon the comparison, and transmit the appointment reply data to thepersonal data device.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein: the propertydata device is further operable to receive the appointment request datatransmitted from the personal data device, transmit the appointmentrequest data to the computer, receive from the computer the appointmentreply data, and transmit the appointment reply data to the personal datadevice; and the computer is further operable to receive the appointmentrequest data transmitted by the property data device, receive indicia ofacceptance or rejection of the requested appointment, generate theappointment reply data based on the received indicia, and transmit theappointment reply data to the property data device.
 8. The system ofclaim 3, further comprising: a second communication device located inthe vicinity of the real estate property, the second communicationdevice operable to transmit data to and receive data from the computerand transmit data to and receive data from the property data device;wherein the property data device is further operable to transmit theidentification data received from the personal data device to the secondcommunication device; and the computer is further operable to receiveand store in the information database the identification data receivedby the second communication device.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinthe first communication device of the computer and the secondcommunication device are coupled to a telephone network.
 10. The systemof claim 8, wherein the first communication device of the computer andthe second communication device comprise a wireless LAN.
 11. The systemof claim 3, wherein: the third storage device of the computer is furtherfor storing updated property information data, and the computer isfurther operable to transmit the updated property information data tothe property data device; and the property data device is furtheroperable to store in the first storage device the updated propertyinformation data.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the personal datadevice further comprises an input/output device, and the personal datadevice is further operable to transmit appointment request data relatingto a requested appointment, receive appointment reply data related tothe requested appointment, and provide indicia of an acceptance orrejection of the requested appointment based on the appointment replydata.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first storage device ofthe property data device is further for storing appointment availabilitydata, and the property data device is further operable to receive theappointment request data transmitted from the personal data device,compare the appointment request data to the appointment availabilitydata, generate the appointment reply data based on the comparison, andtransmit the appointment reply data to the personal data device.
 14. Thesystem of claim 12, further comprising a wireless communication device,the wireless communication device operable to receive the appointmentrequest data transmitted from the personal data device, receive indiciaof acceptance or rejection of the requested appointment, generate theappointment reply data based on the received indicia, and transmit theappointment reply data to the personal data device.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the wireless communication device is a cellulartelephone.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the wirelesscommunication device is a personal digital assistant.
 17. The system ofclaim 1, wherein: the second storage device of the personal data deviceis further for storing updated property information data, and thepersonal data device is further operable to transmit the updatedproperty information data with the identification data; and the propertydata device is further operable to receive and store in the firststorage device the updated property information data based on theidentification data.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitterand receiver of the first and second communication subsystems compriseinfrared transceivers.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein thetransmitter and receiver of the first and second communicationsubsystems comprise cellular transceivers.
 20. The system of claim 1,wherein the transmitter and receiver of the first and secondcommunication subsystems comprise wireless LAN transceivers.
 21. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the personal data device further comprises aninput/output device, and the personal data device is further operable totransmit purchase request data relating to an offer to purchase theproperty.
 22. The system of claim 1, wherein the personal data devicefurther comprises a first input/output device including a display, andthe personal data device is further operable to display the propertyinformation data set.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein theinput/output device further includes a printer, and the personal datadevice is further operable to print the property information data set.24. The system of claim 22, wherein: the personal data device furthercomprises a first communication port, and the personal data device isfurther operable to transmit the property information data set stored inthe second storage device over the first communication port; and apersonal computer comprising a third storage device for storing data anda second communication port, the personal computer operable to receivethe property information data set from the personal data device byconnecting the second communication port to the first communicationport, and further operable to store in the third storage device theproperty information data set.
 25. The system of claim 1, wherein theidentification data classifies the user as an agent or as a buyer, andwherein the property data device generates the property information dataset by providing an agent information data set when the identificationdata classifies the user as the agent, and by providing a buyerinformation data set when the identification data classifies the user asthe buyer.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the buyer informationdata set is a subset of the agent information data set.
 27. The systemof claim 4, wherein the information database stores an approved userlist, and wherein the computer is further operable to receive theidentification data transmitted from the property data device, determinewhether the user is listed in the approved user list, and instruct theproperty data device to transmit the property information data set onlyif the user is listed in the approved user list.
 28. The system of claim4, wherein the personal data device further comprises an input/outputdevice operable to receive user feedback, and wherein the personal datadevice is operable to transmit the user feedback received to thecomputer.
 29. A system for marketing real estate, comprising: a firstdata device located in the vicinity of a real estate property, the firstdata device comprising a first storage device for storing propertyinformation data related to the real estate property, and a firstcommunication subsystem having a transmitter, the first data deviceoperable to transmit a property information data set; and a second datadevice to be provided to a user, the second data device comprising asecond storage device for storing data, and a second communicationsubsystem having a receiver, the second data device operable to receivethe property information data set transmitted by the first data device,and store the property information data set in the second storagedevice.
 30. The system of claim 29, wherein: the second communicationsubsystem of the second data device further comprises a transmitter, andthe second data device is further operable to transmit request data; andthe first communication subsystem of the first data device includes areceiver, and the first data device is further operable to receive therequest data transmitted from the second data device and transmit theproperty information data set in response.
 31. The system of claim 30,wherein the request data includes identification data, and the firstdata device is further operable to receive and store in the firststorage device the identification data transmitted by the second datadevice.
 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the property informationdata set is a subset of the property information data.
 33. The system ofclaim 30, wherein the second data device further comprises aninput/output device including a display, and the second data device isfurther operable to display the property information data set.
 34. Thesystem of claim 30, wherein the second data device further comprises aninput/output device including a printer, and the second data device isfurther operable to print the property information data set.
 35. Thesystem of claim 34, wherein the property information data set is asubset of the property information data.
 36. The system of claim 31,further comprising a computer, the computer comprising: a third storagedevice for storing an information database, the information databasestoring the identification data received by the first data device andthe property information data; a first communication device operable totransmit and receive data; and wherein the computer is operable togenerate reports from the identification data and the propertyinformation data stored in the information database.
 37. The system ofclaim 36, wherein: the first data device is further operable to transmitthe identification data received from the second data device to thecomputer; and the computer is further operable to receive and store inthe information database the identification data transmitted from thefirst data device.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the second datadevice further comprises an input/output device, and the second datadevice is further operable to transmit appointment request data relatingto a requested appointment, receive appointment reply data related tothe requested appointment, and provide indicia of an acceptance orrejection of the requested appointment based on the appointment replydata.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the first storage device ofthe first data device is further for storing appointment availabilitydata, and is further operable to receive the appointment request datatransmitted from the second data device, compare the appointment requestdata to the appointment availability data, generate the appointmentreply data based on the comparison, and transmit the appointment replydata to the second data device.
 40. The system of claim 38, wherein: thefirst data device is further operable to receive the appointment requestdata transmitted from the second data device, transmit the appointmentrequest data to the computer, receive from the computer the appointmentreply data, and transmit the appointment reply data to the second datadevice; and the computer is further operable to receive the appointmentrequest data, receive indicia of acceptance or rejection of therequested appointment, generate the appointment reply data based on thereceived indicia, and transmit the appointment reply data to the firstdata device.
 41. The system of claim 30, wherein the second data devicefurther comprises an input/output device, and the second data device isfurther operable to transmit appointment request data relating to arequested appointment, receive appointment reply data related to therequested appointment, and provide indicia of an acceptance or rejectionof the requested appointment based on the appointment reply data. 42.The system of claim 41, wherein the first storage device of the firstdata device is further for storing appointment availability data, andthe first data device is further operable to receive the appointmentrequest data transmitted from the second data device, compare theappointment request data to the appointment availability data, generatethe appointment reply data based on the comparison, and transmit theappointment reply data to the second data device.
 43. The system ofclaim 41, further comprising a wireless communication device, thewireless communication device operable to receive the appointmentrequest data transmitted from the second data device, receive indicia ofacceptance or rejection of the requested appointment, generate theappointment reply data based on the received indicia, and transmit theappointment reply data to the second data device.
 44. A system formarketing real estate, comprising: means for exchanging property data,the means for exchanging property data located on a real estate propertyand adapted to store property information data related to the realestate property, receive identification data, generate a propertyinformation data set based on the identification data and the propertyinformation data, and transmit the property information data set; andmeans for exchanging user data, the means for exchanging user dataadapted to store the identification data, transmit the identificationdata, receive the property information data set transmitted by the meansfor exchanging property data and store the property information dataset.
 45. The system of claim 44, wherein the identification dataincludes user information related to a user, and the means forexchanging property data is further adapted to store the identificationdata transmitted by the means for exchanging user data.
 46. The systemof claim 45, further comprising: reporting means for: storing theidentification data received by the means for exchanging property dataand the property data; and generating reports from the storedidentification data and the property information data.
 47. The system ofclaim 46, wherein the means for exchanging user data is further adaptedto transmit appointment request data relating to a requestedappointment, receive appointment reply data related to the requestedappointment, and provide indicia of an acceptance or rejection of therequested appointment based on the appointment reply data.
 48. Thesystem of claim 47, wherein the means for exchanging property data isfurther adapted to store appointment availability data, receive theappointment request data transmitted from the means for exchanging userdata, compare the appointment request data to the appointmentavailability data, generate the appointment reply data based on thecomparison, and transmit the appointment reply data to the means forexchanging user data.
 49. The system of claim 47, further comprisingmeans for replying to the requested appointment, the means for replyingto the requested appointment adapted to receive the appointment requestdata transmitted by the means for exchanging user data, receive indiciaof acceptance or rejection of the requested appointment, generate theappointment reply data based on the received indicia, and transmit tothe means for exchanging user data the appointment reply data.
 50. Thesystem of claim 45, further comprising means for accessing a network,the means for accessing a network located in the vicinity of the realestate property and adapted to communicate with a network andcommunicate with the means for exchanging property data; and wherein themeans for exchanging property data is further adapted to communicatewith the means for accessing a network to transmit and receive data overthe network.
 51. The system of claim 50, further comprising: reportingmeans for: storing the identification data received by the means forexchanging property data and the property data; and generating reportsfrom the stored identification data and the property information data;wherein the reporting means is adapted to communicate over the networkand the means for exchanging property data is further adapted totransmit the identification data over the network to the reportingmeans.
 52. The system of claim 44, wherein the identification dataclassifies the user as an agent or as a buyer, and wherein the means forexchanging property data generates the property information data set byproviding an agent information data set when the identification dataclassifies the user as the agent, and by providing a buyer informationdata set when the identification data classifies the user as the buyer.53. The system of claim 52, wherein the buyer information data set is asubset of the agent information data set.
 54. A method of marketing areal estate property using a system that comprises a property datadevice and a personal data device, the method comprising the steps of:locating the property data device in the vicinity of the real estateproperty; storing property information data related to the real estateproperty in the property data device; and providing the personal datadevice to a user; wherein the property data device is operable totransmit a property information data set, and the personal data deviceis operable to receive and store the property information data settransmitted by the property data device.
 55. The method of claim 54,further comprising the step of storing identification data in thepersonal data device, and wherein the personal data device is operableto transmit the identification data, and the property data device isfurther operable to generate the property information data set based onthe identification data.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the step ofstoring identification data in the personal data device comprises thesteps of: determining whether the user is an agent or a buyer; then ifthe user is an agent, storing agent identifier data in the personal datadevice, or if the user is a buyer, storing buyer identifier data in thepersonal data device.
 57. The method of claim 55, wherein the step ofproviding a personal data device to a user comprises the steps of:storing agent identifier data in a first personal data device; storingbuyer identifier data in a second personal data device; determiningwhether the user is an agent or a buyer; then if the user is an agent,providing the user the first personal data device, or if the user is abuyer, providing the user the second personal data device; wherein thefirst and second personal data devices are operable to transmit theagent identifier data and the buyer identifier data, respectively, andthe property data device is further operable to generate the propertyinformation data set based on the agent identifier data or the buyeridentifier data.
 58. The method of claim 55, further comprising thesteps of: storing the property information data in an informationdatabase; and storing the identification data transmitted from thepersonal data device in the information database.
 59. The method ofclaim 58, further comprising the step of generating reports based on theproperty information data and identification data stored in theinformation database.
 60. The method of claim 59, further comprising thestep of providing to an owner of the real estate property reportsummaries of reports based on the property information data andidentification data stored in the information database.
 61. A method ofobtaining information regarding a real estate property using a systemthat comprises a property data device located in the vicinity of thereal estate property, the property data device storing propertyinformation related to the real estate property, and a personal datadevice controlled by a user, the method comprising the steps of:transmitting a request from the personal data device to the propertydata device; transmitting a property information data set from theproperty data device to the personal data device; and storing in thepersonal data device the property information data set transmitted fromthe property data device.
 62. The method of claim 61, further comprisingthe steps of: transmitting identification data from the personal datadevice to the property data device; and storing in the property datadevice the identification data transmitted from the personal datadevice.
 63. The method of claim 62, further comprising the steps of:transferring to a personal computer the property information data settransmitted from the property data device and stored in the personaldata device; and accessing from the personal computer additionalproperty information based on the property information data settransferred to the personal computer.
 64. The method of claim 61,further comprising the step of printing at the personal data device theproperty information data set transmitted from the property data device.65. A system for distributing asset information related to an asset,comprising: a first data device located in the vicinity of the asset,the first data device comprising a first storage device for storingasset information data related to the asset, and a first communicationsubsystem having a transmitter, the first data device operable totransmit an asset information data set; and a second data device to beprovided to a user, comprising a second storage device for storing data,and a second communication subsystem having a receiver, the second datadevice operable to receive the asset information data set transmitted bythe first data device, and store the asset information data set in thesecond storage device.
 66. The system of claim 65, wherein: the secondcommunication subsystem of the second data device further comprises atransmitter, the second data device further operable to transmit requestdata; and the first communication subsystem of the first data deviceincludes a receiver, the first data device operable to receive therequest data transmitted from the second data device and transmit theasset information data set in response.
 67. The system of claim 66,wherein the request data includes identification data, and the firstdata device is further operable to store the identification data in thefirst storage device.
 68. The system of claim 67, further comprising anasset manager computer, comprising: a third storage device for storingan information database, the information database storing theidentification data received by the first data device and the assetinformation data; and a first communication device operable to transmitand receive data; wherein the asset manager computer is operable togenerate reports from the identification data and the asset informationdata stored in the information database.
 69. The system of claim 68,further comprising: the second data device further comprises a firstcommunication port, and the second data device is further operable totransmit the asset information data set stored in the first storagedevice to the first communication port; and a personal computercomprising a third storage device for storing data and a secondcommunication port, the personal computer operable to receive the assetinformation data set from the second data device by connecting thesecond communication port to the first communication port, and furtheroperable to store in the third storage device the asset information dataset received from the second data device.
 70. The system of claim 68,wherein the second data device is operable to transmit a purchase signalindicating a user's intent to purchase an asset.